Transport of dangerous goods: Commission sends reasoned opinions to five Member States

The European Commission has decided today to send reasoned opinions to Finland, Greece, Ireland, Austria and the United Kingdomfor failure to adopt national legislation on the inland transport of dangerous goods.

The EU rules

Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods1, adopted in 2008, aims at guaranteeing the safe transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterways. It is in line with international agreements and ensures harmonised and safe conditions for all land transport of dangerous goods in the EU.

The reason for today's action

The Commission took the decision to send reasoned opinions because Finland, Greece, Ireland, Austria and the United Kingdom have not fully transposed the directive into national law. The directive should have been fully transposed by 30 June 2008.

The practical effect of non-implementation

Lack of compliance with the common norms and standards when transporting dangerous goods can compromise safety and implies a risk for citizens and the environment. Furthermore, to establish a fair and functioning internal market for the transport of dangerous goods, the rules must be similar among Member States.